The Jambos’ rivals will welcome the Hoops to Easter Road this weekend
Martin O’Neill(Image: SNS Group)
Martin O’Neill has urged Hibs fans who want Celtic to beat their own team to halt their calls – admitting he fears it will “invigorate” their rivals.
Celtic make the trip to Easter Road this weekend with conspiracy theorists claiming that David Gray’s men could lie down for the Glasgow giants to impact on rivals Hearts’ title hopes – and some Hibs’ fans are hoping they do.
Gray has already shot down the conversation, insisting his side’s professionalism should not be questioned.
And O’Neill has also that suggestion, adding: “[Hibs are a] Really difficult task for us. They beat us at Celtic Park as well. Really big game for us.
“I can understand it [theories about Hibs]. There may be some Hibs fans that don’t want Hearts to win the league, but that won’t cross over to their team selection or through to the coaching staff and players.
“In fact, I think they would be more invigorated by news of that – so if I could call on Hibs fans to refrain from saying that, that would help.
The Hoops will clash with the Leith outfit before title rivals Hearts and Rangers face off on Monday – and the 74-year-old admits he will be watching the clash at Tynecastle with interest.
He said: “It’s only an advantage if you win. Mostly until the Falkirk game last week we have been the ones playing after and trying to catch up.
“Some manager’s say they are going for a walk or whatever, but no. If you ask me who I’m cheering on I don’t know. Of course I’ll be watching because we have to play those teams.”
Pressed on if he could see a scenario where he is cheering Rangers on, he joked: “I wouldn’t go that far.”
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